The US Coast Guard is seeking industry input on high-energy laser (HEL) systems and other directed energy technologies that could provide a future capability to disable uncrewed threats in maritime environments, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
The US Coast Guard has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the availability, maturity and integration requirements of high-energy laser technologies for maritime applications.
Published on July 20, the sources-sought notice seeks information from industry on laser-based effectors capable of incapacitating targets of interest in environments ranging from fixed coastal installations to US Coast Guard cutters and small boats operating at sea.
The service identified uncrewed systems, including UAS and USVs, as primary targets of interest for potential directed energy applications.
According to the RFI, maritime deployment presents unique technical challenges, requiring systems that can withstand shock, vibration, sea spray and airborne contaminants such as smoke and fuel exhaust. The coast guard is therefore seeking details on systems designed or adaptable for operation in harsh maritime conditions.
Industry responses are expected to provide information on the physical characteristics of proposed systems, including dimensions, weight, power requirements, cooling requirements and estimated acquisition and installation costs.
The service is also requesting technical data on laser performance parameters, including wavelength, output power, area of effect and effective range. Companies are additionally encouraged to provide information on software capabilities, including target profiles and targeting methods.
The RFI does not represent a contract award or a solicitation for proposals but is intended to help the coast guard understand available technologies and their readiness for potential future maritime missions.
The move comes as US military services continue to explore directed energy weapons as a lower-cost option for countering growing numbers of drones and other asymmetric threats.